GIN Bikers – September 7th, 2023

GCSE Maths question :

A Group of GIN Bikers normally stop for lunch and drink beer in glasses of 5dl costing 7 CHF each. On one occasion the restaurant had run out of large beer glasses and offered beer in 2dl glasses costing 4 CHF each. Assuming that the cost of the beer is the same per litre and that the washing up of the small and large glasses is the same, what are those costs? Assuming they drink 6dl each on average, how much should they deduct from the bill to compensate for having to use the small 2cl instead of the large 5dl glasses?

September normally marks the start of autumn but this year it is definitely the continuation of summer. The previous GIN Bikers outing had been cancelled due to heat….except for Richard who failed to see the notification in his email junk folder, and manfully did the tour alone. This Thursday, was again offering temperatures in the late 20Cs, so mild compared to two weeks previously but still hot for the uphill grind. Six riders responded to the call and joined Stephen in his suggested route from the Everness Hotel. The heat from his previous lonesome outing had impacted Richard’s reading ability and he needed some help in understanding the meeting point. In the end, this was clarified and we all arrived on time plus/minus at the designated meeting point. Travellers Mervyn and e-Paul, reunited from their east and west excursions, Mark2Ws, PeterT, Ivan (still with only 2 gears), e-Richard and Stephen.

The route involved an initial loop from the Everness through the cool woods and then back to the Divonne border before an early coffee stop at the Apania buvette near the Divonne lake. On the way, indications of a potential leadership coup were thwarted as Peter tried to initiate an unsuccessful breakaway group to take an alternative route. Refreshed and lulled into a false sense of well-being, the group then started on the more demanding part of the ride. Following the cycle track from Divonne towards Crassier we diverted just before the border to take the back route through the fields to La Rippe and from there a half-Bonmont hill, sufficient to test those legs before the more meaty climb to come. Ivan’s two gears did him proud, coupled with leg muscles which seem to strengthen with each outing. Or maybe it’s just that the rest of us are not at the same stage in life. Even the e-bikers, who enjoy exercising their batteries on the uphill were left at a standstill on the occasions that the red streak passed.

Half a Bonmont behind us still along way to go

It was tempting to have a second coffee stop at our favourite Givrins boulangerie but the Bleader had plans to use the time otherwise. The Genolier clinic hill beckoned and beyond that the potential for an additional loop from Le Muids to Bassins. However, by the time we had regrouped at the top of the Genolier hill, the e-bikers looked definitely in better shape than the traditionalists and those who had over-imbibed in US culinary excesses were probably suffering the worst. The careful planning had allowed for the Bassins loop, but a democratic vote indicated that this could have been pushing frendships (as well as bikes) too far, so the group opted for a rapid descent to the Auberge de la Reunion in Coinsins.

As it so happened, the one time that a lunchtime restaurant had been booked allowing for potential delays along the route, was the one time we arrived 30 minutes early. Normally, this wouldn’t have been a problem but as it was the Jeune Genevois, all those non-working individuals had packed out the restaurant and our table was not available until the reserved time. No real problem, as this gave additional beer time. We were ushered inside and beer orders were taken, to be delivered in the smallest glasses ever seen by a GIN Group (at the highest price per centilitre). Apparently, the other customers had used all the larger receptacles. Suggestions to provide a jug fell on deaf ears. Ivan was so upset that he left after his first glass, offering an excuse that he had to get home for predetermined reasons. The rest of us made the best of the two swig (2cl) glasses and waited impatiently for refills once additional glasses were available. Paul helped fill the waiting time with graphic stories of his recent exploits in Indonesia, including a seance to meet the Queen of the Southern Seas. Mervyn recounted the devastation he indirectly caused in North Carolina…shootings, fires, riots, etc…apparently all connected with his presence. The rest of us could only talk about more domestic things, like the cost of replacement cooking hobs in Switzerland, Spanish kisses, etc.

Not a normal size GIN Biker’s beer…or Ukrainian’s

He who has met the Queen of the Southern Seas and on-looker.

Our outside table was clear at the booked time and we orderedan excellent selection of plats de la semaine at reasonable prices: filets de perches and frites, pork in sauce with noodles, salade campagnarde. Only Richard still had room for a dessert……another advantage of e-biking.

Out into the heat and the bright sunlight, with stomachs full and legs heavy, we searched for the quickest/easiest way back home. The Bleader knew which way he was heading but only managed to attract one other, Mervyn. The rest of the group decided to do their own thing but unfortunately forgot to inform the advance group. No sign of the rearguard at Duillier, so Stephen and Mervyn backtracked and eventually made contact by phone. The decision was made not to regroup. Paul had already decided that a train back home from Nyon to Grand Saconnex was the best use of his reserves. The rest of us were looking forward to getting home and a cool shower and a siesta.

Statistics: ca 50km (dependant on starting point and route home), 625m climb, average speed 19km/hr